An excerpt from the November 2024 edition of the Probus club of Algester and District inc. Newsletter about our recent Great Ocean Road Tour.

A wonderful time was had on our recent journey visiting the Great Ocean Road “Shipwreck Coast” a 6 day / 5 nights tour provided by Trade Travel.

27 members and friends faced a very early start at the crack of dawn heading out to the airport for our flight into Melbourne. Our Trade Travel host was Jamie. Some of us may have been bleary eyed but we were all excited for the travels ahead.

After arriving in Melbourne, we were met by our coach captain Rodney from Trotters Coaches based in Ballarat. Safely on board, we headed out to Werribee Park Mansion with a delicious lunch of sandwiches and the obligatory scones, cream and jam. In that regard we would have a number of opportunities of experiencing Devonshire teas over the coming days. All were very yummy. There we also visited the Victorian State Rose Garden where the roses were in full bloom and all their splendour.

Our two- night stay was at the Curlewis Golf Club Resort just outside of Geelong. The accommodation was of a very high standard, although no golf was played. No time for that.

While in the area we visited the National Wool Museum in Geelong and then travelled out to Drysdale for our train ride out to Queenscliff on the famous Q Train. Beautiful scenery along the way while enjoying a delicious degustation lunch on board. No one was needing much for dinner that night.

Over the next few days we visited all the areas of such natural beauty as the 12 Apostles (actually 8) and some members took the opportunity to have a scenic helicopter flight over the coastline. The weather was perfect, and they all commented on how much they enjoyed it.

Our three days around Warrnambool was jam packed and highlights included Flagstaff Hill Museum and Village and evening show.

We also had the opportunity to hear about the Maremma guardian dogs that protect the little penguins on Middle Island, and we were fortunate to see one of the dogs up close as part of the talk.

The areas around Warrnambool. Port Fairy and the hinterland are very stunning with lots of outlets offering the very best treats including Gorge Chocolates, Apostle Whey Cheese, Dairylicious Fudge, Railway Shed Distillery and topping off the day with a scrumptious ice cream at Timboon Fine Ice Cream Visitors Centre.

Our final day was with us visiting the National Trust Barwon Park Mansion and Gardens. The guides were very knowledgeable and was a great tour. Following the tour was a quick cuppa with tasty biscuits and back on the coach to head back to Melbourne airport for our flights home.

All in all, it was a great trip away with club friends and a few guests. There was so much fun, friendship, fellowship and “food”.

A special mention of our guide Jamie from Trade Travel for looking after us all so well.

Lots of praise to our Coach Captain Rodney who offered so much interesting commentary and life stories. He was the ultimate professional who ensured our safety at all times and could not do enough for us all and at the end of the day, a great fellow. Further adventures await our members.

Finally, a big thank you to our Club’s trip organiser Liz Dutton for all her hard work. Happy Probus month to you all.